He shrugged. ‘You know what I mean. The vicar’s going to stay with him until April gets home?’
‘Yes.’ I stood back so he could enter the room.
He leaned against the desk, gripping the engraved edge on either side. ‘So we can take the river cruise. Nothing terrible’s going to happen if you’re not there for the next twenty-four hours. We can head home first thing tomorrow, and at least you’ll have had a good rest.’
I looked at my suitcase, propped up in the corner.
‘For goodness’ sake, Faith. You are not responsible for your brother!’
‘Well, who is then?’
‘You’ve done more than is reasonable, considering the circumstances. When are you going to stop letting him dictate your every move?’
I shook my head. ‘That is not what’s happening. He needs help!’
Perry stood up, taking a couple of steps towards me. ‘And you’ve got him help. Is you being there really going to make that much difference? He seems equally miserable either way.’
I looked up at him. ‘So you don’t think I’m any help?’
‘Honestly? I think half the time, you running round after him probably only makes him worse.’
The silence stretched out between us like a canyon in the wooden floor.
‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,’ he said, his body completely still.
‘I’d like to go home, please.’
Perry closed his eyes. ‘There’s no point staying here if you’re worrying about him, anyway.’
I waited until he opened them again before replying, ‘Thank you.’
‘Please think about whether there’s a better way to help Sam. Maybe you need to speak to someone, try to find some balance. You can’t keep living like this.’
I started putting my things into my bag, my body wound so tight, I could feel it humming. I would forgive Perry, not least because he didn’t know the truth of the situation.
Was it so terrible that part of the reason I finally agreed to marry him was for his money, if the money wasn’t for me?
It certainly felt terrible.
Perry dropped me straight round to Sam’s. He made a half-hearted offer to come in with me, but I said no. I couldn’t be straight with Sam if Perry was there. I found him on the sofa watchingBand of Brotherswith Dylan.
‘You didn’t have to come.’ Dylan clicked off the television.
I pulled a face. ‘Well, yeah. I kind of did.’ I shrugged off my coat. ‘I need a cup of tea. Anyone else?’
‘No, we just had one, thanks.’ Dylan followed me into the kitchen, which was the whole point.
‘How is he?’
‘He told me everything, talked about it until the panic subsided. I phoned the police, who are going to keep an eye out but can’t do much else. I don’t know how bad he is usually so it’s hard to tell. He did eat some toast.’
I let out some of the breath I’d been holding since the call. ‘Thanks for coming over. I hope you weren’t doing anything important.’
He smiled, briefly. ‘It’s fine. I’m glad you called me. I’m sorry you had to cut your break short.’
‘It hardly matters, in the scheme of things.’
‘Do you think there’s any chance he did see this guy? Would he really come after you?’
